To Procrastinate or Not to Procrastinate

We all put off doing things from time to time. Even during home bound Coronavirus times, I am guessing you have not quite done all those things you said you would finally do while stuck at home.

So, what causes us to make the conscious decision not to do something. There are known standard reasons. Which one is your typical MO? Perhaps some of the bulleted points below the bold-faced description will help you tackle the elephant in the room.

Fear of failing to accomplish what you set out to do?

Ask yourself, what is the worst thing that happens if I fail?

What matters most?

What if I learn something new by failing?

Overwhelmed with how to start or how to finish?

Is there too much on the plate or are you trying to bite off more than you can chew?

What if I broke this task into small bite size pieces – like trying to keep a great candy bar around for more than 1 day, it is less calories that way.

Do you really need to get caught in all the minutiae so it is perfect, or is good perfect enough to complete the task?

Set a time limit for your tasks.

Set your deadlines sooner than required.

Unclear on how to tackle the project/beast?

Do you need to do more research on the how to do this task?

Do you need some tutoring/education on the subject?

Do you need to confer with a colleague, boss, significant other, or friend to get their thoughts?

Know your goals and objective.

Think on paper – planning is crucial

Resentful of having to do the task?

Gain clarity on why you are resentful.

Dig deep and ask yourself what bothers you about having to do this task.

Who depends on this task getting done and why?

Too exhausted to do what needs to be faced?

Know your energy levels.

When you are at your highest peak, do those tasks that are most challenging.

Schedule time for completing tasks.

Avoiding the obvious need to do something you just do not want to do?

Again, find some clarity on why you do not want to do it.

Do you need to delegate the task to someone else?

Should it just go on your list of Things Not to Do? Then you can check it off and voilà– it is done.

The love of the chase to get that adrenaline rush by waiting until the last minute.

What matters most – enjoying the thrill of the chase or needing to feel like you are not letting others down by stressing them out with your last-minute play?

What matters most – the thrill of the chase or needing to assure others involved that you have thoroughly accomplished the project to the best of your ability.